Monday, April 4, 2016

12 Steps - The Art of Packaging ART

When shipping artwork, I like to go above and beyond when it comes to the packaging. Perhaps it comes from my government employee years of working in the mail room. I like to ensure that the artwork will arrive safely.

Here are my 12 easy steps in the "Art of Packaging."

1) When packaging acrylic paintings, I always place Reynolds parchment paper on the top side of the paintings. This gives a layer between it and the cardboard, without sticking. (must be Reynolds as it is the only one that I know of that contains silicone)

2) Cut a sheet of cardboard the same size as the painting, and place this on top of the first painting.

3) In this case, the second painting is smaller then the first, but the same applies. First Reynolds parchment, then the artwork goes front to front on top of the larger painting. I always like to send a few cards of the image, plus my contact information placed in a plastic sleeve at the back of the painting. It's a great marketing practice.

4) I have rolls of plastic that I wrap around both paintings, making them nice and secure.

5) I find a box that is slightly larger then the biggest piece. If the box is oversize you will need to cut it down, which is what I've done. You want to have at least an inch on all sides of the paintings. Do a rough pack for positioning and height.

6) Cut a piece of cardboard to fit snugly on top of the paintings for protection. You don't want to have any wiggle room.

7) Measure the distance from the top of the cardboard (step # 6) to the top of the flap. Mark with a pen. This will help you figure out your fold line to create the box. As Norm on This Old House would say, measure twice and cut once.

8) Remove the paintings from the box. With a crochet hook, and ruler, I make a score line around all four sides of the inside of the box.With an exacto knife carefully cut down the corner, to the score line.

9) Carefully fold in all sides of the box. You are almost done.

10) Place the paintings back in the box. Put the packing around the sides. Remember to place the cardboard on top of that.

11) Fold in the two end pieces first. Secure with tape. Then fold in the sides. Everything should be nice and tight. Don't spare on the tape. I like to go at least twice around the entire box with tape going over the label. Remember to tape the corners as well.

12) Last but not least, I add some bright fragile stickers. This package is ready to go to the post office for shipping, and insurance.